Patrol division commander named Clearwater's new police chief

2 years ago

CLEARWATER, Fla. (970 WFLA) - Daniel Slaughter, a veteran of more than two decades with the Clearwater Police Department, has been named the agency's new chief. City Manager Bill Horne made the announcement this morning, picking the patrol commander as the 13th chief of the department after an internal search, necessitated by the recent resignation of Chief Tony Holloway.

"Dan Slaughter meets all the criteria that we are looking for and need in a Police Chief. He is a highly competent police professional with the appropriate education credentials, field experience, and respect and support from his peers, subordinates, police unions, city department directors, neighborhood leaders and the Tampa Bay law enforcement community," Horne said.

"I commend the city manager on his selection of Chief Slaughter who has risen through the ranks of the Clearwater Police Department," added Mayor George Cretekos. "I am confident in Chief Slaughter's ability to provide the leadership needed to maintain the outstanding service of the department and the high standards set by Chiefs Klein and Holloway."

Before his selection as chief, Slaughter was the major in charge of patrol operations for two years. In that position, he oversaw approximately 171 uniformed officers and three dozen civilian employees.

He also formerly worked as the department's special operations lieutenant, accreditation supervisor, homicide detective, community police officer, and a field training officer.

"I am fortunate to inherit an organization that benefits from a strong, positive relationship with the community and is staffed with skilled and committed officers supported by a professional civilian staff," Slaughter said. "The future will still bring challenges and I look forward to effectively addressing those challenges and building on this agency's well-deserved reputation for being a leader in community policing."

Slaughter, 44, has been with the department since October 1992 and will earn $123,000 as the new chief. He is a graduate of Largo High School and the University of South Florida.

The Clearwater Police Department is the third largest law enforcement agency in Pinellas County. The department employs 235 sworn police officers and approximately 100 civilian employees. It has earned the prestigious distinction of having the Excelsior status in state accreditation from the Florida Commission on Law Enforcement Accreditation.

Slaughter will begin his new position Aug. 7, 2014 when he is sworn in during the 6 p.m. City Council Meeting. Chief Holloway will serve in an advisory role as a Special Assistant to the City Manager from August 7 to August 12.

Slaughter replaces Anthony Holloway who had been chief for four years but recently accepted the position to be police chief in St. Petersburg,